Royals lose Pasquantino (fractured hamate bone) to IL for 4-6 weeks
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KANSAS CITY – The Royals' lineup suffered a significant loss on Sunday, as slugger Vinnie Pasquantino was placed on the 10-day injured list with a fracture of the hamate bone in his right hand. Outfielder John Rave was recalled from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move.
Pasquantino exited Saturday’s 8-7 loss to the Astros at Kauffman Stadium in visible discomfort after making contact with the ball in the fifth inning.
Manager Matt Quatraro said Pasquantino underwent surgery to remove the hamate from his hand on Sunday morning. The procedure went as expected and the initial recovery timeline is four to six weeks.
“We’ll know a lot more as he starts the rehab process,” Quatraro said.
“I just told [Pasquantino] I was frustrated for him, especially because he’s got himself going. You never want to lose any of the guys to injury. It stinks because I know how hard he’s worked to get back and be productive. He’s gone through injuries before and it can be a real grind.”
Before exiting with the injury Saturday night, Pasquantino continued his hot stretch earlier in the game with an RBI single in the third inning, extending his on-base streak to a season-high-tying 10 games dating back to June 3. He had hit safely in 17 of his last 21 games since May 22, a stretch in which he was slashing .291/.378/.405 (23-for-79), raising his season batting average 30 points from .194 to .224. He has six home runs and 32 RBIs on the season.
The 28-year-old played in 68 of Kansas City’s first 71 games. Pasquantino was sidelined briefly with low back tightness at the end of April, but missed limited time.
With Pasquantino out, Jac Caglianone is expected to receive the bulk of playing time at first base. Caglianone started at first base Sunday, while catcher Salvador Perez and utility man Nick Loftin are other options depending on the situation, Quatraro said.
“We’ve got to be mindful of all the workloads and all those things for all the guys,” Quatraro said.
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Rave, meanwhile, can provide the ability to play all three outfield spots. Rave batted .278 with 10 home runs, 32 RBIs and 16 stolen bases in 60 games at Triple-A Omaha. He played 72 games with the Royals last season, batting just .196.
Rave said he adjusted his swing mechanics this offseason, going from a leg kick to a toe tap, and is excited to see how it plays in the Majors.
“It’s been a good year, seeing the ball well right now,” Rave said. “Plate discipline has felt really good and [I have been swinging] at the right pitches. I have a little different move [with a toe tap], and I like where it’s at right now. I think it’ll help me be successful at this level.”